Grow the Future: Bring Agtech to the Heart of the U.S. Agriculture in California

California's ag industry is massive. In 2023 alone, farms and ranches across the state generated $59.4 billion in cash receipts—a 1.4% increase over the previous year.

With more than 400 different commodities, California leads the nation in the production of:

• Over one-third of the U.S.'s vegetables
• Over three-quarters of its fruits and nuts

Top crops like grapes, almonds, pistachios, strawberries, tomatoes, and dairy-based products are billion-dollar markets that are constantly evolving. California's unique blend of microclimates, soils, and growing conditions allows innovators to test, refine, and scale Agtech solutions, in ways that simply aren't possible elsewhere.

Here in California, there's a unique opportunity to apply emerging technologies to real-world challenges. Think precision agriculture, robotics, satellite crop monitoring, water-saving irrigation systems, and sustainable soil management. It's all happening.

And the potential is enormous:

• 24.2 million acres of farmland offer ample space to pilot and scale your tech
• The number of farms may be declining, but the average farm size is increasing—meaning more room for innovation
• As farm expenses rise (up $11.5 billion since 2017), so does the need for smart solutions that boost yield and reduce waste
• Renewable energy is big in ag—California leads the nation with 16,699 farms using solar and other systems

From field technicians and ag engineers, to software developers and data scientists, California's workforce is equipped to power the next wave of Agtech breakthroughs.

• Home to world-class universities and research institutions like UC Davis and Cal Poly
• The pipeline of bilingual, tech-savvy talent with deep roots in ag
• Strong community college and workforce training systems focused on agriculture and tech

California isn't a one-size-fits-all agriculture state. From the Central Valley's high-volume crop production, to the specialty growers of the Central Coast, and the innovative producers of Southern California, each region offers a unique landscape for building and growing Agtech solutions.

Need proof?

• Fresno County is the top ag-producing county in the U.S.—outranking 23 states in total ag sales
• Tulare, Monterey, Kern, Merced, and Imperial counties also rank in the national top 10 for ag output
• From wine country to desert farming, there's no better place to diversify your research, development, and deployment